Watch these dogs keep seagulls away from diners at Sydney's Opera House pavilion

"Seagulls have been a problem at t he Opera House since it was built," said dog trainer James Webb, owner of Mad Dogs and Englishman training company.

"When the dogs are not there, the seagulls have free reign at the food.

"Quite often the food wouldn't even get to the table before it was stolen by the seagulls or had to be taken back to the kitchen because the birds had gotten all over it."

Four years ago, Mr Webb was approached by an Opera House pavilion restaurant manager. He brought his dogs in as a trial, to see if they could help keep the birds at bay.

"We trained the dogs to run after the seagulls, bark, then return when they've flown off," Mr Webb said.

After the success of the trial, 12 border collies and kelpies were brought on to work the pavilion full-time. The dogs now work across the lower concourse during peak dining times all week.

The program has now been extended for a further two years.

Mr Webb said since the dogs have been on the job, the Opera House, bar and kitchen have saved enormous amounts of money, which in turn contributes toward the $65,000 dog patrol contract.